Kitchen Countertops Report Product Trend Report By Denise Vermeulen November 2007 While the kitchen is most often thought of as a place to prepare and share meals, today’s kitchens don’t stop at meal time. Indeed, the kitchen is where we entertain, pay bills, do homework, surf the ’Net, plan household chores and just hang out. Is it any wonder, then, that countertops need to do more than ever before to meet the needs of demanding homeowners looking to multi-task in their kitchens? Kitchen and Bath Countertop Material Trends at a Glance Both fashion and function are key drivers of kitchen countertop trends, with designers and their clients looking for materials that look good, are easy to maintain and that will endure the test of time Likewise, hygienic and maintenance concerns are key in bath countertops. Because the kitchen is used for many purposes beyond just eating meals, there’s a growing trend toward mixing and matching counter surfaces in order to maximize functionality. Quartz is a gaining ground in the kitchen due to its easy-to-maintain reputation and variety of patterns and colors, while glass is adding a decorative element to the bath. Granite is still a popular kitchen choice, but some designers and manufacturers see it losing ground to quartz and solid surface due to its greater maintenance requirements and consumers’ never-ending search for “the next big thing.” Solid surface materials are still a mainstay in both the kitchen and bath thanks to their good looks, durability and versatility. As the mix-and-match trend grows, wood countertops are seeing more interest, with the product being positioned as a warm and durable addition to the kitchen. Neutral colors and earth tones are popular picks for both the kitchen and bath, tying into the trend toward more nature-inspired spaces, but some consumers are choosing to make a design statement with bolder, edgier color choices in order to personalize their spaces. Both countertop manufacturers and designers are paying greater attention to green issues, as the movement toward using recycled and recyclable materials gains a greater foothold. Also see Granite Countertops Countertops of the Future Information about all types of countertops, quartz, concrete, wood, more Electric Radiant Floor heating